5 French Red Lipsticks for Valentine's Day

Joyeux St. Valentin from Moi and my Estée Lauder lips! Head over to the Shop page to claim your own, and live la vie en rouge.

A bold red lip is about as synonymous with timeless French Girl style as baguettes and berets—albeit much less of a cliché and more of a lifestyle.

If parading around with a ruby red pout is less of an everyday look in your world, and more of an occasion, who could think of a better holiday than St. Valentine’s Day to paint the town—and your lévres—red?

Behold five shades to switch up your daily maquillage routine with a pretty pop of rouge, brought to you by the Fab Five French Fashion houses—Chanel, YSL, Dior, Guerlain, and Estée Lauder.

Click the links below, or head over to the TCA Shop Page to add these colors to your cart.

5 French Red Lipsticks for Valentine's Day

#520 Carnal, Pure Color Envy; $32
ESTÉE LAUDER
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
Saturates lips with high-intensity color. Lip-sculpting statement shades for all skintones. Super creamy, glides on effortlessly, covers evenly. Sensually soft and smooth, luxuriously comfortable. 8-hour wear. The lipstick bullet is shaped to sculpt the curves of your lips. The case feels like luxury in your hands. And with one click, case closed.

#444 Gabrielle, Rouge Coco; $40
CHANEL
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An exclusive complex of Jojoba and Mimosa butters, Sunflower wax, and silicone, provides lasting hydration and luminous shine. With a vibrant colour spectrum, featuring shade names inspired by Coco Chanel and the friends, artists and lovers who inspired her.

My shade is #520 Carnal, Pure Color Envy by Estée Lauder.

#453 Adorée Satin Finish, Rouge Dior; $38
DIOR
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Available in 75 beautiful shades, from Dior’s iconic reds, romantic pinks and rosewoods to trendy nudes in satin, matte, metallic or new velvet finishes. More modern and luxurious than ever, the new Rouge Dior lipstick is adorned with a signature band featuring the CD initials, a nod to Dior's runway looks.

#1966 Rouge Libre, Rouge Pur Couture; $38
YSL BEAUTY
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The iconic gold tube of Rouge Pur Couture is dressed in red to celebrate love and the joy of gifting. Available in 3 gorgeous red shades, this full-coverage satin lipstick offers up to six hours of ultra-rich, stay-true color in just one stroke.

#M331 Chili Red, KissKiss Matte; $39
GUERLAIN BEAUTY
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The light, delicate scent of a vanilla "floriental" leaves its incomparable mark on KissKiss. Top notes sparkle with a lemon, orange and bergamot accord. The rose and iris heart exudes sweetness. The vanilla and tonka bean dry-down gives KissKiss all of its intensity.

Book Club: 5 French February Reads for Valentine's Day & Black History Month

It’s the first week of Février, which means it’s also the perfect time to snuggle up and catch up on some reading. Since this is the time of year best known for l’amour and Black history, why not revisit some favorites from last year’s French book club to fit both themes?

Book Club: 5 French February Reads for Valentine's Day & Black History Month

Famed Black expatriate James Baldwin brings us a moving, LGBTQ semi-autobiographical romance, set among the backdrop of the 1950s Paris nightclub scene, while notable Black actor and musician Gordon Heath shares a memoir of the illustrious career that brought him to Paris where he eventually finished out his life.

Women’s rights advocate Monique Y. Wells takes us on a tour of the rich Black history woven into the fabric of Parisian arts and culture, through a series of historical walking tours with co-author Christian Anderson.

Screen legend Olivia de Havilland’s juicy memoir recounts meeting her French husband at the Cannes Film Festival, seeing her days as an American suddenly Gone With the Wind as she relocates to Paris with her young son, while Kati Morton shares a touching tale of love and loss throughout chapters of her own life in France.

Giovanni’s Room

By James Baldwin
(Fiction)

“James Baldwin’s groundbreaking novel about love and the fear of love is set among the bohemian bars and nightclubs of 1950s Paris.

In the 1950s Paris of American expatriates, liaisons, and violence, a young man finds himself caught between desire and conventional morality. With a sharp, probing imagination, James Baldwin's now-classic narrative delves into the mystery of loving and creates a moving, highly controversial story of death and passion that reveals the unspoken complexities of the human heart.”

Deep Are the Roots: Memoirs of a Black Expatriate

By Gordon Heath
(Memoir)

“In these pages we meet a man, meet him as a child, an actor in training, an actor in performance. We meet a black man born in the United States in 1918 who fashioned a life for himself that kept him mostly abroad, mostly in Paris. Gordon Heath can be counted among such distinguished black expatriates as Ira Aldridge, Paul Robeson, Richard Wright, and James Baldwin. Their names have been written larger than his in the record books, but with the publication of his memoirs Gordon Heath moves from footnote status to deserved inclusion in the text itself.”

Every Frenchman Has One

By Olivia de Havilland
(Memoir)

”In 1953, Olivia de Havilland—already an Academy Award-winning actress for her roles in To Each His Own and The Heiress—became the heroine of her own real-life love affair. She married a Frenchman, moved to Paris, and planted her standard on the Left Bank of the River Seine. It has been fluttering on both Left and Right Banks with considerable joy and gaiety from that moment on.

Still, her transition from Hollywood celebrity to parisienne was anything but easy. And in Every Frenchman Has One, her skirmishes with French customs, French maids, French salesladies, French holidays, French law, French doctors, and above all, the French language, are here set forth in a delightful and amusing memoir of her early years in the “City of Light.”

Paris Reflections: Walks Through African-American Paris

By Christian Anderson & Monique Y. Wells
(Non Fiction)

“This guidebook takes the reader on six walking tours through the historic districts of Paris where, for more than two centuries, African Americans have lived, worked, and created a rich and vibrant legacy of achievement in art, literature, science, business, sport, social reform, and other fields. From the 18th to the 20th century, the Parisian legacy of African Americans has been shaped by such women and men as Sally Hemings, Ada Bricktop Smith, Jack Johnson, Josephine Baker, Langston Hughes, Richard Wright, Sidney Bechet, and James Baldwin.”

Paris: A Love Story

By Kati Marton
(Memoir)

“In this remarkably honest and candid memoir, award-winning journalist and distinguished author Kati Marton narrates an impassioned and romantic story of love, loss, and life after loss.

At every stage of her life, Paris offers Marton beauty and excitement, and now, after the sudden death of her husband Richard Holbrooke, it offers a chance for a fresh beginning. With intimate and nuanced portraits of Peter Jennings, the man to whom she was married for fifteen years and with whom she had two children, and Richard, with whom she found enduring love, Marton paints a vivid account of an adventuresome life in the stream of history. Inspirational and deeply human, Paris: A Love Story will touch every generation.”

5 Virtual Valentine's Day French Cooking Classes

Few things in life are more romantic than whisking off to Paris for a cozy winter getaway, but if you’re staying local this Valentine’s Day, these five online cooking classes will bring the city of l’amour to you.

Even if you’re a little more Julie than Julia—Child, of course—when it comes to showing off your skills in la cuisine, registering for an online course makes it easy to download ingredient lists and follow along with your esteemed instructor from the comfort of your own maison.

Whether whipping up a three course feast, or baking traditional French macarons, there’s something here to suit every gôut.

Date Night: A French Affair
Mon. February 14, 2022; 8:00 pm EST
Sur La Table (Online)
BUY TICKETS HERE

"With a menu full of French dishes—each enhanced with a different wine—this indulgent spread makes the perfect night out for wine lovers, French foodies or those looking for a special occasion meal.”

Menu:
Pan-Roasted Chicken with White Wine Compound Butter
Arugula Salad with Toasted Hazelnuts and Champagne Vinaigrette -Riesling Poached Pears

Raspberry Heart Macarons
Sat. February 12, 2022; 11:00 am EST
Sur La Table (Online)
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”Our chef instructor will walk you through the step-by-step of baking heart-shaped raspberry macarons. You'll learn to build your batter, how to correctly meringue eggs and tips for coloring your batter. After properly piping and baking your batter, we will make a tasty filling, teach you how to fill your heart-shaped shells and finish with elegant gold dust décor.”

Romantic French Cuisine
Classpop
Thurs Feb 10, 2022; 3:00pm EST
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”Create a romantic dinner for two that seems like something out of a romantic restaurant in the heart of Paris without ever leaving your home. Start your virtual cooking class off with a hearty and traditional French onion soup au gratin. Then, master the art of savory duck breast à l'orange with honey and soy sauce paired with fresh, butter garlic roasted asparagus.”

Virtual Valentine: French Macarons
La Gourmandise
Mon. February 14, 2022; 4:00 pm PST
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“Learn to bake classic French macarons with almond shells and decadent chocolate ganache. Once registered, you’ll receive a class outline that includes the ingredients, equipment and other things needed to prepare for class.”

Virtual Valentine’s Day Cooking Class
The Chef Upstairs
Mon. February 14, 2022; 5:30 pm EST
BUY TICKETS HERE

“Things are heating up in the kitchen with our virtual cooking class featuring a delicious menu and socializing with fellow foodies, all from the comfort of your own home.”

Menu:
Pan-Seared Scallops on Fresh Greens
Reverse Sear Beef Tenderloin with Compound Butter in a Natural Pan Sauce, Haricots Verts and Wild Mushrooms
(Pescatarian Substitute: Maple-Glazed Black CodVegetarian Substitute: Medley of Roasted Mushrooms, Kale, Cannellini Beans and Green Beans)Flourless Chocolate Torte with Whipped Cream and Macerated Strawberries

Celebrate L'Amour | Valentine's Day Gift Guide

It’s officially February, and that means l’amour is in the air!

Whether you’ll be spending Valentine’s Day with the object of your affection, out for a girls’ night with your best copinettes, or happily alone on the couch with a bottle of Veuve Cliquot and a box of chocolat, these French gifts will please even the pickiest of paramours—yourself included!

Shop the Love-liest things on our St. Valentin list, below.

Le Creuset Heart Cocotte; Sur La Table; $199
”Le Creuset’s cast-iron promotes even heating, making it perfect for slow cooking, braising meats, simmering soups and baking everything from side dishes to artisan bread.”
SHOP HERE

Pink Marc de Champagne Truffes; Charbonnet et Walker; $38 (Neiman Marcus)
Sample these luxurious white chocolate truffles (with a hint of strawberry and a velvet milk chocolate Marc de Champagne centre) lightly dusted with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance, in a romantic heart-shaped box.
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Venus et Fleur Eternity Flowers; $329
Valentine’s Day may only last one night, but these eternal flower arrangements will keep your love alive and well (until next year, at least).
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Faire La Fête Brut Rosé; $24.99
Bottled in Limoux, France, the innovative Faire La Fête collection of sparkling wine includes half the typical amount of sugar in a traditional bottle of Champagne—meaning you and your paramour can save those extra calories for an extra box of chocolat.
SHOP HERE

French Valentine’s Box (for Him or Her), French Wink; $95 each
Featuring a traditional French Mariniere-style top, a heart-themed Comptoir de Cacou chocolate bar, and the mini Amour candle.
SHOP HERE

Amour Candle; French Wink; $10
This two ounce mini natural candle combines elements of Dogwood blossom with a blend of woodsy and floral notes, with a melange of fig, walnut, violet, pine bark, iris, amber, cedar wood and Tonka bean.
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Le Creuset L’Amour Soup Pot; Sur La Table; $249
Adorned with hearts and a beautiful gold knob, this festive pot adds a sweet touch of classic French beauty to your kitchen or table.
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Amour Necklace, French Wink; $51
Keep an homage to your love proudly on display with this lovely bijou from Nifty Sparkles.
SHOP HERE

Heart Shaped Cake Pan; Sur La Table $7.96
Turn any cake into a gâteau d’amour with this sweet cake pan from Sur La Table.
SHOP HERE

10 French Girl Lingerie Ideas for Valentine's Day

It’s no secret that les françaises take their undergarments very seriously. Revealing a peek of lace under an otherwise ordinary ensemble is the ultimate secret weapon in any French Girl’s playbook—because when it comes to sudden acts of flirtation, it’s always good to be prepared.

While it’s not always a realistic expectation to prance around in a full corset and fishnets on a daily basis—especially after a year of hanging around in quarantine sweats—keeping a stash of silk and chantilly on standby for those special moments when the mood strikes, certainly seems like a good idea. Although entire books could be written about the subtle art of French seduction, there are certain dates and occasions—read: February 14th—when it’s clear that the time for subtlety has passed.

Whether you’ll be romancing your Valentine this Sunday or you’re planning to be your own Romeo, shop these VDay themed lingerie sets from some French Girl favorite brands like Rouje, Le Petit Trou, Lise Charmel, and—the perennial crowd pleaser—Agent Provocateur. Because to a true Parisienne, investing in a killer lingerie set isn’t considered frivolous, it’s an act of self care—which is the kind of logic we should all get down with.

Whether you’re feeling more cheeky, bold, frisky, or demure, there’s something to fit every mood. Scroll down to shop.

10 French Girl Lingerie Ideas for Valentine's Day

Sugar Bra; $195 | Sugar Bottom; $140
Agent Provocateur
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Frankie Lace Bodysuit; $278
Fleur de Mal
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Bethanie Bra; $180 | Bethanie Thong; $110
Agent Provocateur
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Violet Babydoll Set; $365
Fleur de Mal
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Lindie Sheer Robe; $975
Agent Provocateur
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Felicie Bodysuit; $95
ROUJE
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Rozlyn Balconette Bra; $245 | Brief; $150 | Suspender; $245
Agent Provocateur
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Dressing Floral Bra; $178
Lise Charmel
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Marquee Eye Mask; $110
Agent Provocateur
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Denise Corset; $100
Gianna Brief; $60
Le Petit Trou
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French Valentine's Day Gift Guide: 10 Ways to Celebrate L'Amour

It’s almost St. Valentin’s Day, and as we all know, the French practically have a cultural monopoly on romance. Whether you’ll be spending a cozy night en couple with your paramour—a furry one counts too!—with family or les gal-pals via Zoom, or just indulging in a little solo celebration of self-love, what better way to celebrate the language of l’amour than by spoiling yourself or a loved one with a little bit of luxury?

From wilt-proof French roses and decadent Parisian macarons, to heart-themed essentials for a home-cooked masterpiece, quarantine kits, and an at-home luxury hotel getaway—yes, that’s a thing now!—this Sunday might just be the best Valentine’s Day yet.

Most items are still available for delivery in time for the Big Day, if ordered before Feb 10th, and can also be picked up at brick and mortar locations by LA locals. Scroll down to shop the V-Day essentials.

French Valentine's Day Gift Guide: 10 Ways to Celebrate L'Amour

Sweetheart Box of Infinity Roses; $225 (Petite size, 7-9 blooms)
Holy Chic Los Angeles
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With 21 colors to choose from, these delicate but durable roses are sourced from Provence and imported from the South of France. Naturally and and carefully preserved in a heart-shaped suede box, these blooms are guaranteed to last long past V-Day, bringing joy to your space for one entire year with no maintenance required! Based in Los Angeles, Holy Chic is run by a female solo-preneur with a flagship shop on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, and a pop up shop at Palisades Village (through February 2021).

Le Creuset Heart Cocotte; $199.95
Sur La Table
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When cooking a cozy St. Valentin’s dinner for one’s paramour on a chilly February night, it doesn’t get more perfect than a rustic red sweetheart pot for stowing the stew. The perfect vessel for a traditional French winter répas, like a mouth-watering boeuf bourguignon or a hearty ratatouille, this cast iron cooker is just the ticket to bring the appetite (and some romance) to a full boil.

Venus Mon Amour Ladurée Gift Box; $68 (Box of $18)
Maison Ladurée
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The Grande Dame of French pâtisserie, Maison Ladurée—the original salon de thé—hit the Parisian social scene in 1862, and has evolved into a globally beloved brand that’s become synonymous with the traditional French standard of luxury and refinement. This Valentine themed, limited-edition box of 18 delicate heart-shaped macaron flavors takes the [let them eat] cake, including six passion fruit, six classic rose, and six dipped in a coating of chocolate. Pre-order online or pick one up at one of LA’s two full service locations in Beverly Hills or The Grove.

Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss; $32
CHANEL
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Always light and never sticky, Chanel’s signature moisturizing glossier in Rose Pulpe 728 is the perfect shade for pretty pout. The long lasting formula doesn’t wear off on its own—but be forewarned that it could end up on your Valentine instead!

Tiered Heart Cakelet Pan; $39.95
Sur La Table
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If staying home and baking up a storm is your idea of an ideal Valentine date, then this pan set of six triple-layer mini cakes is sure to hit the sweet spot. Stir up your favorite red velvet recipe, frost and embellish accordingly, then serve and enjoy with your one and only—even if that someone is you!

Ivory Sugared Almond Gift Box; $22
Ladurée
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While best known for its signature French macarons, Maison Ladurée hosts a variety of take-home treats and luxe accessories—including this box of sugared almonds that feels like a trip to Paris for the tastebuds. Long after the sweets are gone, this logo-printed round box (in ivory or the signature Ladurée pastel green) is ideal for storing timeless treasures. Pre-order online, or pick one up at one of LA’s two full service locations in Beverly Hills and The Grove.

Naughty Girl Quarantine Kit; $65
The Naughty Girl Shop
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Perfect for a cozy night in with les amies, this kit is a Galentine one-stop-shop—complete with a mini Champagne split, engraved stemless flute and swizzle stick, Orville Redenbacher’s microwavable popcorn and accompanying snack bag. Presented in a Valentine-red box, with home delivery available in the LA area. Created by one badass business babe, The Naughty Girl Shop is a body-positive, LA-based brand celebrating sexual empowerment and the art of the female form.

Valentine’s Day ‘Mon Cheri’ Macarons; $34 (Box of 12)
Le Macaron
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Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this limited edition cherry-chocolate macaron flavor makes for an irresistible petit goût. At just 80 calories and gluten free, macarons are the ultimate guilt-free, French girl sweet indulgence. Pre-order a box to share, or LA locals can stop by the neighborhood Santa Monica shop for a quick snack on the go.

Heart Appetizer Plates; $35 (Set of 4)
Sur La Table
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Perfect for a Valentine apéro with four fun friends, or an intimate treat for two, these darling heart-shaped appetizer plates feature French phrases—ideal for a fromage course, or to present a pretty pastry. Each plate bears a French expression of endearment: je t’aime, bisous, mon amour, and ma cherie.

‘The Love Bubble’ Ritz Carlton Package; $3500
The Ritz Carlton, Downtown Los Angeles
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For the ultimate luxury Valentine’s Day experience, look no further than the Ritz Carlton to make your wildest romantique dreams come true. If it still feels too soon to venture away from home this week, the Ritz will deliver the hotel life to you—complete with all of the indulgences of a luxury stay, to recreate in your own home. Order by Feb 10th—locals can also pick up at the Ritz DTLA—to receive your very own at-home hotel getaway kit. The Love Bubble pièce de résistance package includes:

- One bottle of Veuve Clicquot

- Two pairs of luxury slippers

- Two Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles Signature Microfiber Robes

- One Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles Signature Scent Candle

- One ESPA Invigorating Spa Salt Scrub

- Box of one-dozen Assorted Macarons made by The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles’s Executive Chef

- The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles’s Signature King Sateen Bedding Set (400 thread count cotton) including classic white Frette sheets, pillows, pillowcases and duvet (as featured in Ritz hotel guestrooms)

- Two Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles Coffee Mugs

Le Marque | St. Valentin with Gitanne Skincare

St. Valentine’s Day self care with Gitanne Skincare.

This year my St. Valentin self-care practice includes chocolate and luxurious organic French skincare products. I’m pleased to introduce you to Gitanne Skincare—a French botanical beauty brand based right here in Santa Rosa, California.

Gitanne founder—and fellow American French Girl—Kate-Alexandra infuses this eco-sophisticated line with her Parisienne taste for elegance and beauty, and the primary values of sustainability and organic ethical practices. Pictured below, the La Vie en Rose collection—mildly scented and specially designed for sensitive skin—couldn’t be a more perfect way to indulge in some serious Valentine vibes.

Formulated with the finest ingredients found in nature, including plant elixirs, extracts and oils to nourish, hydrate, and tone the complexion, this fully artisanal plant-based collection of rejuvenating creams, mists, serums and scrubs is Vegan, cruelty-free, and 100% chic.

Click here to shop the collection and show some support for a local, female-run small business.